Ecmweb 4634 Cw2june2011web
Ecmweb 4634 Cw2june2011web
Ecmweb 4634 Cw2june2011web
Ecmweb 4634 Cw2june2011web
Ecmweb 4634 Cw2june2011web

Whats Wrong Here?

June 16, 2011
Hint: Icy hot

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. Joe, who has a knack for finding shoddy electrical work, did the dirty work and found this mess. Now it's your turn to identify the violation.

Find the Answer

The individual inspecting this installation got a real surprise, didn't they? Yes, that's a block of ice in the bottom section of this box.

A rigid PVC enters the top of the box. Unfortunately, the installer didn't use the proper fitting and locknut to attach it to the box in this wet location. As noted in a portion of 352.10(D), "PVC conduit shall be permitted in portions of dairies, laundries, canneries, or other wet locations, and in locations where walls are frequently washed, the entire conduit system, including boxes and fittings used therewith, shall be installed and equipped so as to prevent water from entering the conduit."

In addition, the liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit (LFNC) and associated fittings used on the left and right side of the box are required to be listed per 356.6. (Note: LFNC is defined in Section 356.2). Angle connectors shall not be used for concealed raceway installations. Straight LFNC fittings are permitted for direct burial or encasement in concrete, as per 356.42.

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About the Author

Joe Tedesco

Tedesco served the industry in many roles during his career. He was a director, senior electrical code instructor for National Technology Transfer, Inc. and American Trainco, Inc.. He was also a codes, standards and seminar specialist for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and an electrical field service specialist for the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass. He ran his own business as an NEC consultant and is a Massachusetts licensed master electrician and journeyman electrician and certified electrical inspector (one and two family 2A; General 2B, and Plan Review, 2C). Tedesco also wrote articles for CEE News and EC&M (Code Violations Illustrated and What's Wrong Here?) for more than 15 years and helped launched the Moving Violations video series.

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